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In Saturday's early match, Manchester City visit Norwich with the expectation of victory. Norwich haven't won in the League since Jan. 2, reeling into the relegation spot with just 24 points as they sit in 18th. While City have a game in hand as they look to climb up past fourth and into third over Arsenal. The Citizens find themselves in a position that parallels to that of the 2011-12 season, where they defeated The Canaries 6-1 at Carrow Road in pursuit of their first Premiere League Title.
City have quite a large hill to climb this year, however. With Leicester ten points above them in first, and a Spurs team that has already defeated them in both of their league meetings, the Citizens need to continue their role as bullies against lesser clubs. City's away form has left little to gloat about, but their run of 5 unbeaten against Norwich, including a 3-0 victory, provides a glaring look into the possible outcome of this match.
Norwich will be without advancing players Robbie Brady and Steven Naismith, and City will have to do without the services of De Bruyne, Nasri, and now Yaya Toure, who is out with a heel injury. The Blues also have a midweek match against Dynamo Kiev to look forward to, so it's imperative that the momentum be carried from their 4-0 romp over Villa.
While Manchester City's away record has been far from impressive this campaign, they should dispose of Norwich this Saturday. After all, the ground is a favorite of Kün Aguero, and since the Canaries have only one win in their last thirteen against City. While relegation teams often put up a fight, a slip would mean an incredible lapse of concentration would have to happen. City have West Ham on their heels and would like to distance themselves and solidify their top four standing, and matches like these are the perfect opportunity to accomplish that goal. Whether staying up or staying top, the stakes are high for both opponents this Saturday.
Norwich FC vs Manchester City
Carrow Road, Norwich UK
Time: 1245GMT - 745EST - 445PST
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Manchester City Form: WLDWL
Norwich Form: LDLLL